University Events Building - Crisler Arena

University Events Building - Crisler Arena

The Crisler Arena at 333 East Stadium Boulevard was first known as the University Events Building. It was designed by K. C. Black and D. L. Dworsky. First plans were approved by the Regents in February and site selection was made in March of 1964. Work began on the structure in September of 1965 and it was completed by the Spence Brothers Company in June of 1968 at a cost of $6,500,000, financed from gifts and University sources, including student-fee allocations. In February of 1970 the building was renamed in honor of Herbert O. (“Fritz”) Crisler, Michigan's former football coach and long-time athletic director.

Located next to the Michigan Stadium, this arena served not only as “home court” for varsity basketball and other athletic teams, but also provided assembly facilities for educational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. A press box and other support facilities were also provided in the project. Comfortable permanent seating was provided for over 13,000 spectators and, since its completion, the arena has been the site for University Winter Commencement Exercises.

(The University of Michigan: An Encyclopedic Survey, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer>Physical Properties>Buildings, p.91)